PM Modi touches down where Pakistan dared not: Adampur airbase visit exposes S-400 ‘hit’ as hollow hype

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unannounced visit to the Indian Air Force’s Adampur Airbase on May 13 morning was not just a morale boost for the armed forces — it was a strategic masterstroke aimed at dismantling Pakistan’s disinformation campaign, one image at a time.

Days after Islamabad claimed it had destroyed India’s prized S-400 air defense system during the recent military standoff, Modi stood before an undamaged S-400 launcher and a MiG-29 fighter jet, flanked by Indian air warriors. The photograph, instantly viral, delivered a visual fact-check to Pakistan’s fabricated military bravado.

The moment wasn’t accidental—it was a message. The Prime Minister's presence at the very site Pakistan claimed to have struck served as irrefutable proof: the S-400 stands tall, untouched, and operational. With a calm wave and a backdrop designed to speak louder than words, Modi eviscerated the myth peddled by Pakistani propaganda.

Pakistan had alleged that its JF-17 fighter jets had targeted and destroyed the S-400 system at Adampur following India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the night of May 6–7. But their “proof” — a satellite image — lacked even basic signs of an airstrike: no craters, no debris, no damage.

The Indian response was subtle but devastating. Instead of trading accusations, New Delhi let the truth stand tall — literally. The photograph released during Modi’s visit effectively dismantled Pakistan’s claim without a single word of direct rebuttal.

Strategic significance of the visit

Adampur, India’s second-largest airbase under the Western Air Command played a pivotal role in intercepting drone and missile attacks during the recent escalation. The base’s strategic location, near key border zones, makes it a cornerstone in India’s aerial defense.

During his early-morning inspection, PM Modi interacted with Air Force personnel, commending their courage and unwavering vigilance. "It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomize courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces," he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Air Marshal Jeetendra Chaudhry, chief of the Western Air Command, was reportedly closely involved in orchestrating the successful interceptions using the S-400 — dubbed ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ by India’s defense forces.

Operation Sindoor and aftermath

The PM’s visit came just days after both countries agreed to a halt in military operations. However, Indian officials have clarified this is merely a tactical pause — not a peace deal. “The next move depends on Pakistan,” a senior defense source told reporters.

Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks — nearly all of which were neutralized. Failing to cause any real damage, Islamabad pivoted to misinformation warfare, sharing doctored videos and unverified images claiming destruction at Adampur.

India’s response? A calm walk by the Prime Minister past the very assets Pakistan claimed to have eliminated.

The takeaway

In an age of deepfakes and digital deception, facts sometimes need to be seen to be believed. Modi’s visit to Adampur was more than a morale-boosting pitstop — it was a calculated visual strike in the war for narrative dominance. And this time, India won with silence and presence.